AC Industrials, Ayala Corporation’s wholly-owned industrial technologies arm and direct parent of the group’s vehicle distribution & retail dealerships division, AC Motors, has announced the appointment of Antonio “Toti” Zara III as new President, effective October 1.

AC Motors is the current automotive business unit of Ayala group, which will house the portfolio of distributorships for the Kia, Volkswagen, and Maxus brands, and dealerships for the Honda, Isuzu, Kia, Volkswagen, and Maxus brands.

Moving forward, AC Motors will organize itself into two distinct businesses—automotive and motorcycle—to allow the group to capitalize on the unique growth opportunities in each sector. Concurrently, Mr. Zara will serve as President of the different dealership companies of AC Motors.

AC Industrials Chairman and CEO Arthur Tan will continue to serve as Chairman and CEO of the various companies under the AC Motors’ umbrella. “Toti brings with him 30 years of experience in the global and local automotive industry covering service, sales, and marketing functions. We welcome his experience and hope he can add fresh and innovative perspectives to help accelerate the strategies we have set forth and started in order to navigate this crisis and take advantage of the long-term trends that continue to drive the industry’s evolution,” noted Tan.

Manny Aligada will continue to serve as President of the Kia distributorship under the KP Motors Corporation, while Felipe Estrella will likewise continue as President of Automobile Central Enterprise, the distributor company for the Volkswagen and Maxus distributorship businesses.  Dino Santos, meanwhile, will transition to lead and focus on AC Motors’ motorcycle group as it forges its own path as a major player in the two-wheel space. The motorcycle division currently houses the manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations of the KTM and Husqvarna brands.

*Primary Photo Courtesy of GT Capital Holdings Inc